Al Paolillo

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing to deepen the channel in New Haven Harbor from 35 feet to 42 feet. While New Haven's port is the largest in the state, it is not deep enough to accommodate larger vessels which now have to off-load outside the channel.

This month, I was honored and humbled to join state Rep. Juan Candelaria, local leader Jhonathan Rivera and Joey Rodriguez to distribute donated gifts to nearly 300 children at John C. Daniels School. Many of these children were among the 180 youth who relocated to New Haven from Puerto Rico.

Connecticut families, currently on the wait-list, can start enrolling in the Care 4 Kids program, the state’s primary child care support program. Care 4 Kids helps low- to moderate-income families in Connecticut pay for child-care costs.

Following the legislature’s approval of technical revisions to the bipartisan budget passed last month, older and disabled renters are slated to receive their state refund checks under the Connecticut Renters’ Rebate Program.

Following months of negotiations, the Legislature overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan spending package that ends our state's budget stalemate. This $41.3 billion two-year plan, which now heads to the governor's desk for approval, will help close a projected $3.5 billion deficit over the next biennium by committing to significant structural reforms.

Referencing cuts to higher education, a reduction in aid to needy municipalities, and unsound changes to the state's pension plans, Governor Malloy vetoed the Republican-backed budget Sept. 28.

The Republicans’ two-year $40.68 billion spending package decreases funding to cities that need it most and increases aid to affluent suburban towns. If adopted, this budget would hinder our urban cities’ abilities to be the economic engines Connecticut needs to drive its economy and attract young professionals and new businesses to our region. If adopted, this budget would have devastating effects on New Haven.

Residents affected by Tropical Storm Harvey need our help with food, water, medicine, temporary shelter and other support. Please consider making a small donation to Americares, the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army so that the people affected by this massive storm know we in Connecticut are with them in heart, mind and spirit.